L-PRES Project: Kwara Organises Workshop on Establishment of Pastures ...Initiative aimed at creating jobs, ending farmers-herders Conflicts

The Kwara State government through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has trained livestock stakeholders on the establishment of pastures, aimed at promoting large scale commercial pastures to reduce farmers-herders clashes, and create job opportunities for Kwarans.

The workshop which was held in Ilorin recently, had in attendance numerous livestock farmers, investors and livestock extension officers in the State.

Delivering his remarks at the workshop, the Kwara L-PRES Project Coordinator, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye encouraged stakeholders to embrace pasture establishment as a sustainable strategy to curb farmers/herders clashes, and improve the economic livelihood of the people in the State.

Mr. Oyawoye identified competition for land and water as the major drivers of conflicts in the country, urging the participants and other livestock farmers to explore pasture production as a profitable venture and peace building initiative.

"The idea is to give stakeholders the guidelines on how to do large scale pasture production, and sell to other farmers, we are hoping in the next few years, we will have people selling silage, and hay in the country to put an end to open grazing". he stated

The resource person, Mr. Michael Akinruli explained that without proper pasture production for feeds, the conception rate of animals will be low with decreased milk and beef production, he emphasized the need to improve the genetics of animals with a view to improving milk and beef production.

In their various contributions, the participants at the workshop affirmed that the initiative would significantly improve livestock production and reduce herders-farmers conflict in the country.

Highlights of the workshop was a field trip to Gatayaki farms where participants were exposed to field demonstration of pasture establishment.

The workshop is part of the present administration's broader strategy to modernise livestock practices, boost food security and promote peaceful coexistence between crop and livestock farmers in the State.